The calf muscles are located at the back of each of your lower legs. They are connected to the heel bone by the Achilles tendon. Stretching and strengthening your calves may help prevent injuries to this area like muscle strains and Achilles tendonitis. One way that you can stretch your calves is by kneeling on a pad of cushion with one knee bent at a 90 degree angle, while your other leg is positioned in front of you, planted firmly on the floor and bent at a 90 degree angle. Put your weight on your front foot and lean forward, keeping your front heel on the ground. Then return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times on each leg. You should feel a stretch in the back of your lower legs. For more information about exercises for your lower limbs please consult with a podiatrist. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Brock Liden, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Circleville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The tibial nerve is a nerve located in the foot. When this nerve endures abnormal pressure, it can cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by inflammation surrounding the tarsal tunnel, which is located on the inside of the ankle, and can result in severe pain and discomfort. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can develop for various reasons, including diabetes or a possible tumor on the tarsal tunnel. A common symptom that patients may experience is pain in the sole of the foot. The pain may become worse when walking and standing for extended periods of time, and relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated. If you have pain in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Brock Liden, DPM of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Circleville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A corn is a thickened portion of skin that is made of keratin, and is caused by repeated friction. A corn can develop between the toes or on the bottom of the feet and can cause severe pain and discomfort. There are two types of corn classifications: hard and soft corns. Corns that are found between the toes are considered to be soft, and corns that form on the bottom of the feet are hardened as a result of the pressure they endure from walking and standing. There are some patients who find that they have corns on the outside of their pinky toe, and this generally comes from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you have corns anywhere on your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Brock Liden, DPM of Ohio. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Circleville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often developing between the toes. It occurs when the fungus grows in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty socks or communal showers. Causes include direct contact with contaminated surfaces, shared footwear, and poor foot hygiene. Risk factors include excessive sweating, wearing tight or non breathable shoes, and weakened immunity. Symptoms may include itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, and an unpleasant odor. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend antifungal treatments, and offer guidance on proper foot care to prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment remedies, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Brock Liden, DPM from Ohio.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Circleville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.